PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. released a financial aid of P265 million for the residents affected by the shear line and low-pressure area in the Davao Region.
On Wednesday, the President led a situation briefing in Davao City, where he was briefed on the situation in the Davao Region.
Provinces such as Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, and Davao de Oro received P30 million each.
Surigao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur received P25 million each, while Butuan City, Davao City, and Davao Occidental received P20 million each.
Agusan del Norte received P15 million, and Cotabato and Bukidnon received P10 million each.
“I released the PhP265 million to make sure that the response is immediate and maramdaman agad ng tao na mayroon silang tulong,” said Presidenr Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
This aid is in addition to the Emergency Cash Transfer provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to affected families in the region.
overnor Dorothy Gonzaga of Davao de Oro raised concerns about municipal and barangay roads that still need cleaning and inspection to ensure safe passage for responders conducting relief efforts.
“We tried to make a request, because [the passage] might also get damaged,” Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga, Davao de Oro said.
Similar concerns were raised by other provinces in the Davao region.
Due to this, President Marcos has directed government agencies to coordinate with the local governments of the affected areas.
He ordered the opening of alternative routes in the affected areas, and urged government agencies to expedite clearing operations on affected roads, infrastructure, and bridges for the immediate delivery of assistance.
“The process is that the Public Works will assess the actual damage, then they will have to design the remedy based on what can be done. Sometimes, if it’s beyond repair, we’ll have to build another bridge,” President Marcos added.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that they have mobilized logistical support through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Aside from the land assets of the Philippine Army that are here, we have devoted six helicopters for airlifts, and two naval vessels to attend to this, and we can deploy more as necessary,” Sec. Gibo Teodoro, DND stated.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured local officials of sufficient supplies of relief goods for affected families in the region.
“We’ve been working on non-food assistance packages,” Sec. Rex Gatchalian, DSWD said.
